Inspired by those Rene type cuffs going around lately

[TomSwede]

So I finally got to making this one. Main idea of the shape and the celtic piece came from seeing Leathercats version.

Vikinghails from Scandinavia to you my young friend (those containers holds juice!!)

Also this is the tecnique used as a handle on the second rodtube I did.

Mexican roundbraid on the edges and the simplified version showed by ShirleyZ in the middle.

The dark red lace is hand painted after lacing and antiqued (after a coat of sealer) with saddletan wich contains a bit of silverdye to make a sparkling effect when the light is right. I also blended in silverdye to the final sealer for the red lace.

Unfortunately I couldn't get this effect to show in pics. Gonna try outside someday.

I also added a liner in thin veg tan to hide the innerounds of lacing and protection from possible arm pinching probs. An idea I didn't have time to execute on that handle.

I'm not satisfied with the edging on the closure pieces. Had to use contact cement to the edges to hold the liner piece wich spoils the efforts to get it look as one piece when burnishing. When I get hold of a nice red thread I'm gonna put a seem in those now empty groves.

I really tried to get this one up to competition standards so feel free to critice and give me tips on anything to do to get it better.

Tom

[Storm]

LOVE THIS ONE! Especially love the the metal centerpiece. The whole piece works and is really strong.  Super work Tom.  Guess you have to do something as long as you are not out fishing!

Storm

[TomSwede]

Oh man shut it will ya! (about the fishing).

Thanks alot Stooorm!

Very glad you liked it otherwise I'd gone fishing instead of sharpening my swivelknife for more endorsements in leather.

Think I'll try to bend the centerpiece a bit to accomodate to the curvature of the arm.

Tom

Edited June 24, 2008 by TomSwede

[freak]

That's way cool man. I like every thing about it.

I willing to bet that once others in your parts see it,, you'll be making more like it.

[CitizenKate]

Nice, Tom! Very hunky-looking (i.e. masculine).

Kate

[sodapop]

thats a stylin piece there tom...i dig it i dig it

darryl

[TomSwede]

Thank you Freak and Kate!

The reason I choose this layout that came from Leathercat is just because it'll make a great watchstrap so I hope your right Freak since it doubles as wearable art and watchband. I don't like wearing a watch and was just lucky to find that celtic/viking medallin laying around.

Yup Kate, this ones quite beefy.

Oh another thing about the medallion, it's not perfecly round so that's why it looks a bit out off center it the horizontal plane. If turned 90 degrees the medallion cover the braid to much, on one side.

Thank you Darryl! Don't we love braids that doesn't corner, lol.

Tom

Edited June 24, 2008 by TomSwede

[ClayB]

Hey Tom,

This is really nice. It's fun watching people make all these different variations of the bracelet. I'm glad the topic came up and inspired a few people. When I saw the first one a few years ago that Anne had made, I had to give them a try, and have made a lot of them for family and friends. Now seeing what everyone else is doing, I think I might have to make a few more using some of the different ideas all of you have come up with.

[Crystal]

I like the closure - neat idea. Also like that you lined it. Another great job!

Crystal

[leatheroo]

very nice tom, love the closure and metal centre piece. It is hard to see, but have you punched holes for the centre braid and not wrapped the bracelet first? This is a great chunky piece for a male. Great to see all the variations on this theme